Photos: Glimpses of Secretive Blue Origin's Private Spaceships

By SPACE.com Staff |
November 23, 2015 09:48am ET

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Blue Origin New Shepard Rocket Landing

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin is a private spaceflight company founded by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos to develop commercial rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2000, but came to public attention in 2003 when it began buying land in Texas for its testing grounds.

Here, Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard booster first stage stands atop a pad following its successful landing during an unmanned test flight from West Texas that launched up to suborbital space and returned safely to Earth on Nov. 23, 2015. Watch video of Blue Origin's New Shepard test flight here.

Blue Origin Crew Capsule Escape Test

Here, Blue Origin's pusher escape system rockets the Crew Capsule away from the launch pad, demonstrating a key safety system for both suborbital and orbital flights. Image released Oct. 22, 2012.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at Cape Canaveral

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Jeff Bezos announced on Sept. 15, 2015 that his spaceflight company Blue Origin would have a launch facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at KSC

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

During a media event on Sept. 15, 2015, Jeff Bezos announced a new Blue Origin spaceflight facility would be constructed at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He gave a glimpse of a new "very big brother" space vehicle.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at KSC

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

During a media event on Sept. 15, 2015, Jeff Bezos announced a new Blue Origin spaceflight facility would be constructed at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He gave a glimpse of a new "very big brother" space vehicle.

Blue Origin Media Event Sept. 15, 2015

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Speakers assemble at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Sept. 15, 2015, for Blue Origin's announcement that the company will be coming to Cape Canaveral.

Jeff Bezos Announces Florida Launches for Blue Origin

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, announces his company's plans to launch spaceships and rockets from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at Launch Complex 36 on Sept. 15, 2015.

Blue Origin Event at KSC

Bezos Unveils New Rocket Design

On Sept. 15, 2015, during a media event, Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin unveiled an illustration of the company's proposed rocket to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Blue Origin Double Rainbow

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin tweeted this photo of a double rainbow seen at its west Texas launch site on April 30, 2015.

New Shepard Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard space vehicle launches on its first developmental test flight over Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site. The crew capsule reached apogee at 307,000 feet (93,600 m.) before descending back to Earth. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Ascending

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard crew capsule has separated from the propulsion module and continues ascending to 307,000 feet (93,600 m.) before returning to Earth, landing with the aid of parachutes. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Descent

Credit: Blue Origin

After separating cleanly from the propulsion module, the New Shepard crew capsule descends to a gentle landing in the west Texas desert. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

Blue Origin Test-Fires New Rocket Engine

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin test fires a powerful new hydrogen- and oxygen-fueled American rocket engine at the company's West Texas facility. Blue Origin's Orbital Launch Vehicle will use the BE-3 engine to propel the company's Space Vehicle into orbit. [See video of the rocket engine test here]

Sunset Over Blue Origin Test Stand

Blue Origin’s Test Stand

Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett

Blue Origin’s test stand, back right, is framed by a wind mill at the company’s West Texas facility. The company used this test stand to fire its powerful new hydrogen- and oxygen-fueled American rocket engine, the BE-3. [See video of the rocket engine test here]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Escaping

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard Crew Capsule escaped to an altitude of 2,307 feet before deploying parachutes for a safe return. Image released Oct. 22, 2012.

Crew Capsule After Touchdown

Blue Origin's Test Vehicle at Mach 1.2

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's second test vehicle, a suborbital launch vehicle, soars through Mach 1.2 at 45,000 feet in this image released by the secretive private spaceflight company. This image was taken in August 2011 right before the thrust termination system activated, resulting in the loss of the vehicle, company officials said.

Blue Origin 'Short Hop' Test Flight Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

This view of Blue Origin's second test space vehicle shows the suborbital rocket during a successful summer 2011 "short hop" test flight, according to company officials.

Blue Origin 'Short Hop' Test Flight Landing

Credit: Blue Origin

This view of Blue Origin's second test vehicle shows the suborbital rocket just before landing during a 2011 "short hop" test flight, which was successful, according to a company status update.

Blue Origin's Second Test Vehicle on the Pad

Credit: Blue Origin

This photo shows the second test vehicle built by the secretive private spaceflight company Blue Origin as it appeared on the launch pad after a smooth "short hop" test in 2011.

Blue Origin: New Shepard Vision

Credit: Blue Origin

An early prototype vision for Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle for suborbital spaceflight.

Secretive Space Vehicle Tested at Private Texas Site

Credit: Blue Origin

A flight test of the prototype "Goddard" vehicle at Blue Origin's launch site in West Texas.

Blue Origin's Orbital Spacecraft

Credit: NASA/Blue Origin

This artist's illustration of the orbital crew-carrying spaceship planned by the private company Blue Origin was included in the firm's NASA Space Act agreement to continue its work on a commercial crew space vehicle.

Blue Origin: Orbital Reusable Booster System

Credit: Blue Origin

This illustration from private spaceship builder Blue Origin depicts the Orbital Reusable Booster System planned by the spaceflight company, which is owned by Amazon.com mogul Jeff Bezos.

Blue Origin's Goddard Vehicle Rolls Out

Credit: Blue Origin.

Bankrolled by Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com fame and fortune, Blue Origin’s Goddard vehicle is the first development vehicle in the firm’s New Shepard suborbital program.

Blue Origin Spectators at Goddard Test Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

Spectators watch Blue Origin's Goddard test launch.

Blue Origin's Goddard at the Pad

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's Goddard development vehicle is seen while being lowered onto the launch and landing pad for a Nov. 13, 2006 flight at the company's West Texas testing grounds.

Amazon Founder's Rocket Plans Take Flight

Blue Origin's Jumbotron at the Test Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

Jeff Bezos said about the Blue Origin test launch of Goddard, "We brought a jumbotron so our spectators could have a better view. This photo is from a few days before launch when we scrubbed because of winds."

Bezos Celebrates

Credit: Blue Origin

Jeff Bezos celebrates a test launch of the Goddard vehicle.

Blue Origin's Goddard Back in the Barn

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's Goddard vehicle, a development prototype for the company's New Shepard spacecraft, is returned to its barn after a successful Nov. 13, 2006 test flight.

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Blue Origin New Shepard Rocket Landing

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin is a private spaceflight company founded by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos to develop commercial rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2000, but came to public attention in 2003 when it began buying land in Texas for its testing grounds.

Here, Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard booster first stage stands atop a pad following its successful landing during an unmanned test flight from West Texas that launched up to suborbital space and returned safely to Earth on Nov. 23, 2015. Watch video of Blue Origin's New Shepard test flight here.

Blue Origin Crew Capsule Escape Test

Here, Blue Origin's pusher escape system rockets the Crew Capsule away from the launch pad, demonstrating a key safety system for both suborbital and orbital flights. Image released Oct. 22, 2012.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at Cape Canaveral

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Jeff Bezos announced on Sept. 15, 2015 that his spaceflight company Blue Origin would have a launch facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at KSC

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

During a media event on Sept. 15, 2015, Jeff Bezos announced a new Blue Origin spaceflight facility would be constructed at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He gave a glimpse of a new "very big brother" space vehicle.

Bezos Announces New Blue Origin Facility at KSC

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

During a media event on Sept. 15, 2015, Jeff Bezos announced a new Blue Origin spaceflight facility would be constructed at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He gave a glimpse of a new "very big brother" space vehicle.

Blue Origin Media Event Sept. 15, 2015

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Speakers assemble at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Sept. 15, 2015, for Blue Origin's announcement that the company will be coming to Cape Canaveral.

Jeff Bezos Announces Florida Launches for Blue Origin

Credit: Calla Cofield/Space.com

Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, announces his company's plans to launch spaceships and rockets from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at Launch Complex 36 on Sept. 15, 2015.

Blue Origin Event at KSC

Bezos Unveils New Rocket Design

On Sept. 15, 2015, during a media event, Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin unveiled an illustration of the company's proposed rocket to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Blue Origin Double Rainbow

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin tweeted this photo of a double rainbow seen at its west Texas launch site on April 30, 2015.

New Shepard Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard space vehicle launches on its first developmental test flight over Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site. The crew capsule reached apogee at 307,000 feet (93,600 m.) before descending back to Earth. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Ascending

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard crew capsule has separated from the propulsion module and continues ascending to 307,000 feet (93,600 m.) before returning to Earth, landing with the aid of parachutes. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Descent

Credit: Blue Origin

After separating cleanly from the propulsion module, the New Shepard crew capsule descends to a gentle landing in the west Texas desert. Image released April 29, 2015. [Read full story.]

Blue Origin Test-Fires New Rocket Engine

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin test fires a powerful new hydrogen- and oxygen-fueled American rocket engine at the company's West Texas facility. Blue Origin's Orbital Launch Vehicle will use the BE-3 engine to propel the company's Space Vehicle into orbit. [See video of the rocket engine test here]

Sunset Over Blue Origin Test Stand

Blue Origin’s Test Stand

Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett

Blue Origin’s test stand, back right, is framed by a wind mill at the company’s West Texas facility. The company used this test stand to fire its powerful new hydrogen- and oxygen-fueled American rocket engine, the BE-3. [See video of the rocket engine test here]

New Shepard Crew Capsule Escaping

Credit: Blue Origin

The New Shepard Crew Capsule escaped to an altitude of 2,307 feet before deploying parachutes for a safe return. Image released Oct. 22, 2012.

Crew Capsule After Touchdown

Blue Origin's Test Vehicle at Mach 1.2

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's second test vehicle, a suborbital launch vehicle, soars through Mach 1.2 at 45,000 feet in this image released by the secretive private spaceflight company. This image was taken in August 2011 right before the thrust termination system activated, resulting in the loss of the vehicle, company officials said.

Blue Origin 'Short Hop' Test Flight Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

This view of Blue Origin's second test space vehicle shows the suborbital rocket during a successful summer 2011 "short hop" test flight, according to company officials.

Blue Origin 'Short Hop' Test Flight Landing

Credit: Blue Origin

This view of Blue Origin's second test vehicle shows the suborbital rocket just before landing during a 2011 "short hop" test flight, which was successful, according to a company status update.

Blue Origin's Second Test Vehicle on the Pad

Credit: Blue Origin

This photo shows the second test vehicle built by the secretive private spaceflight company Blue Origin as it appeared on the launch pad after a smooth "short hop" test in 2011.

Blue Origin: New Shepard Vision

Credit: Blue Origin

An early prototype vision for Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle for suborbital spaceflight.

Secretive Space Vehicle Tested at Private Texas Site

Credit: Blue Origin

A flight test of the prototype "Goddard" vehicle at Blue Origin's launch site in West Texas.

Blue Origin's Orbital Spacecraft

Credit: NASA/Blue Origin

This artist's illustration of the orbital crew-carrying spaceship planned by the private company Blue Origin was included in the firm's NASA Space Act agreement to continue its work on a commercial crew space vehicle.

Blue Origin: Orbital Reusable Booster System

Credit: Blue Origin

This illustration from private spaceship builder Blue Origin depicts the Orbital Reusable Booster System planned by the spaceflight company, which is owned by Amazon.com mogul Jeff Bezos.

Blue Origin's Goddard Vehicle Rolls Out

Credit: Blue Origin.

Bankrolled by Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com fame and fortune, Blue Origin’s Goddard vehicle is the first development vehicle in the firm’s New Shepard suborbital program.

Blue Origin Spectators at Goddard Test Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

Spectators watch Blue Origin's Goddard test launch.

Blue Origin's Goddard at the Pad

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's Goddard development vehicle is seen while being lowered onto the launch and landing pad for a Nov. 13, 2006 flight at the company's West Texas testing grounds.

Amazon Founder's Rocket Plans Take Flight

Blue Origin's Jumbotron at the Test Launch

Credit: Blue Origin

Jeff Bezos said about the Blue Origin test launch of Goddard, "We brought a jumbotron so our spectators could have a better view. This photo is from a few days before launch when we scrubbed because of winds."

Bezos Celebrates

Credit: Blue Origin

Jeff Bezos celebrates a test launch of the Goddard vehicle.

Blue Origin's Goddard Back in the Barn

Credit: Blue Origin

Blue Origin's Goddard vehicle, a development prototype for the company's New Shepard spacecraft, is returned to its barn after a successful Nov. 13, 2006 test flight.